How To Fix QuickBooks Error 3371 statuscode-11118

If you recently ran into a strange Quick Books error, specifically Error Code 3371 “Quickbooks could not load license data. This may be caused by a missing or damaged file.”, with a status code of 11118, you are not alone. And it looks like this headache has been plaguing the users of the accounting software for several years.

The symptoms are usually that you are unable to open your company file in Quick Books and resolution attempts like repairing the installation fail, and you get prompts for a mysterious html file.

From most indications, this usually happens if you do a system restore, or move your operating system files to a new hard drive or new computer. It leads one to believe that there is some kind of hash or signature on the specific file causing the frustration and that file is the aptly named “Entitlement” file which manages the phone-home registration process of Quick Books. The file in question is the “Entitlement DataStore.ecml” file.

To fix error 3371, rename the offending file and you should be able to start living again. Obviously, you will have to re-register with Intuit.

If you are still using Windows XP, you need to do this:

For those who like to type:

Click Start and choose Run.

Type the following command into the Open field:
C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication DataIntuitEntitlement Clientv2 (Note: you may have multiple “v” folders, so look for the current or latest one)

Click OK

Delete (or preferably, rename) the “Entitlement DataStore.ecml” file.

For the clickers, you can just “Explore” your way to the “C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication DataIntuitEntitlement Client v*” folder and rename or delete the stupid file.

For the Windows 7 users, go here: C:ProgramDataIntuitEntitlement Clientv* (where ‘*’ is a number). Rename the errant file. Quick Books will create a new one when you start the application.

[Note that the “ProgramData” folder may be hidden in which case you can unhide it like this:

7 Comments

Chris Joyce

September 9, 2014

QB 2014 – same error. Awesome fix. effing intuit site is about as helpful as worm shit.

Stephanie

September 5, 2014

Thank you so much!! Saved me hours of frustration, and the usual thorough disappointment with Quickbooks support, whether it be online or telephone! Your instructions were easy to follow even for someone like myself who is not very tech savvy… Genius!!! Thanks again!! 🙂

Daniel Ihonvbere

February 10, 2014

Thanks for visiting and adding to the post.

Aria Watson

February 5, 2014

Some times this issue may comes because of MSXML 4 not installed on your system.. if it is not, follow below steps to install MSXML 4 on yours system.